DPPW Football & Cheer Injury/Concussion Policy

PURPOSE: The following policy and procedures are being implemented by Dr. Phillips Pop Warner (DPPW) with the intent to reduce the potentially serious health risks associated with sports related concussions and injuries.

CONCUSSION POLICY: It is policy of DPPW to educate coaches and team personnel of the signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with sports induced concussions. Any participant showing the signs of a concussion or head injury is required to be removed from the game/practice until they have been evaluated by properly trained individuals. If a concussion is suspected, the player must seek medical attention, and then must follow the proper procedures for return to play.

DEFINITION: A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. It is important to note than an athlete does not have to lose consciousness to have suffered a concussion.

Signs Observed by Parents or Guardians

Appears dazed or stunned

Is confused about assignment or position

Forgets an instruction

Is unsure of game, score, or opponent

Moves clumsily

Answers questions slowly

Loses consciousness (even briefly)

Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

Can't recall events prior to hit or fall

Can't recall events after hit or fall

Symptoms Reported by Athlete

Headache or "pressure" in head

Nausea or vomiting

Balance Problems or dizziness

Double or blurry vision

Sensitivity to light or noise

Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

Concentration or memory problems

Confusion

Just not "feeling right" or "feeling down"

INJURY POLICY: It is policy of DPPW to educate coaches and team personnel of the signs and symptoms of injury associated with football. Injuries can be sustained at any time during practice or games. Any participant showing the signs of a injury is required to be removed from the game/practice until they have been evaluated by properly trained individuals. If major injury is suspected, the player must seek medical attention and follow the proper procedures for return to play.

SUSPECTED CONCUSSION/INJURY PROCEDURES

Any participant exhibiting the signs, symptoms or behaviors associated with a concussion or injury:

Must be immediately removed from the game/practice.
Coach or Team Mom must contact Player Safety Coach or Football Commissioner to evaluate player.
Player will be evaluated by one of the above listed parties. The injured participant may not be cleared for practice or competition the same day that the signs, symptoms or behaviors associated with a concussion or injury are observed. (Determination of continued play will be made by above listed parties only)
The injured participant’s parent or guardian should be immediately notified of the suspected concussion or injury so that they can be evaluated by an appropriate health-care professional.
Following the game, Team Mom should send player information to Football Commissioner for records.
Coach/Team Mom should follow up with participant for injury status, to be reported to coach/team mom and Football Commissioner as needed.
Parent of injured player will provide written note to coach/team mom to include with absentee forms for any missing games.
The parent or guardian of a participant who is suspected of a concussion or injury must submit written medical clearance from an appropriate health-care professional to DPPW prior to returning to practice. Players will not be allowed to participate until this document is produced.